UAE space agency seeks cooperation with ISRO

DUBAI: A delegation from the UAE Space Agency has undertaken a visit to the Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO) to discuss possibilities of cooperation between the two space organisations.

The delegation was led by Khalifa Al Rumaithi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, and Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, its Director-General, according to statement released by official WAM news agency.

This is part of the agency's efforts to build strategic partnerships and achieve goals of regional and international cooperation within the industry, it said.

The UAE delegation learnt about the Indian space sector and the different programmes that ISRO has led within space exploration, it said.

They also looked at satellite launching capabilities which have positioned India as a leading nation within the industry, as it provides a number of services across the space sector.

The visit also involved a tour of the Satellite Assembly and Testing Center for ISRO, where the final tests are made on satellites before they are launched.

"The UAE and India have deep bonds and connections that span across political, economic, commercial and cultural historic roots. Working together within the space sector will only strengthen these connections and bring benefits to the UAE that include knowledge transfer and human capital development," Al Rumaithi said.

Al Ahbabi said India is one of the most advanced nations within the space sector and has a strong foundation and fascinating programmes.

"We therefore look at ways of working together to build partnership and transfer knowledge within this exciting industry," he said.

The UAE Space Agency provided a detailed presentation on the space sector strategy in the UAE, focusing on its objectives, initiatives and programmes.

The agency also provided information on the Mars Probe mission that will be launched by the UAE in time for 2021.